Senior Kellen Haverback is widely known as one of the best four-sport athletes in the state. He has over 4,851 varsity passing yards with 71 total touchdowns in his high school football career. Not to mention, he’s a star player on the basketball team, scoring 628 points through only his junior year. He has tallied 55 hits in his baseball career and is a varsity starter on the golf team.
In this day and age, four-sport athletes are hard to come by. Haverback is one of the very few who do it at such a high level. Haverback’s favorite sport is football, where he is the starting quarterback. He has led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a trip to the Dome. Haverback plans to continue his football career at Drake University.
Like many athletes, Haverback played multiple sports as a kid, but unlike the other kids, Haverback continued playing these sports. “Being a four-sport athlete has helped me in football, and it has taught me how to compete. It has also taught me how to work hard and give 100% effort,” Haverback said. “Kellen is such a high-level athlete because he loves to compete,” said varsity football coach Brad Meester. “He wants to be out there during the tough games. Kellen is one of those who wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. It is easy to want the ball when the game is easy, and everything is going your way.”
Everyone always wants to be in the spotlight, but no one talks about the negative side of being the center of attention all the time or the stress that can amount with trying to balance four different sports, school, and home life. “Being a four-sport athlete can be really challenging,” said senior and fellow four-sport athlete Mikey Ryan. “Kellen and I have experienced the hardships of being four-sport athletes together, and I think we both would agree that the demand on your body physically and mentally is very tough. It’s also hard to give your attention to other sports in the offseason because you are always currently in season with another.”
Haverback’s favorite memory from his high school career is beating Algona to go to the Dome. When the Mustangs found themselves down 22 to 7 at halftime. Haverback played a huge role in the comeback, where the Mustangs would eventually go on to win 31 to 28 and earn a trip to the Dome. “His ability to keep his eyes forward and continue to have faith even when we were down is what won us that game,” said senior Will Goodlove.
Being a good athlete is one thing, but being a good leader and bringing others along with you is something Haverback prides himself on. “He’s very humble,” said senior Drew Thurn. “He knows when it’s the right time to say something and lead his team.”
“Kellen is a good leader because of the fact that he is not afraid to speak up and say something when it needs to be said. So often it is hard to be the vocal one because there is a fear of what others will say or think about it,” said Meester.
Although Haverback plays multiple sports, football is his clear favorite. “The connections made in football are unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of. Second, the complexity of football is greater than any other sport I’ve played,” Haverback said. “I love being on a team and being busy; sports allow me to do that. I love to compete and get better at whatever I’m doing. I like the feeling of growth and accomplishment, and sports give me that.” As basketball season is right around the corner, Haverback will be one of the top returning players in the senior class and hopes to lead the Mount Vernon Basketball team to a state title.
